I just started getting into Dos and there is a plethora of Dos sites with freeware and shareware but almost none that describe commercial software. I was wondering what the most up to date software is for word processing/office suite, drawing/picture programn ala Adobe, bookshelf/encyclopedia, virus programs etc.

"Commercial Software"

There is probably NOTHING on the market today, because there ARE NO PC's being sold "as new" with MSDOS, or any other kind of DOS for an operationg system.

The only stuff you'll find being used nowadays, might be some utility work, like proprietary software to tune up certain auto/race fuel/ ignition systems, or other special software.

Not long ago, I helped install some Motorola phone (911)equipment, and IT was programmed with DOS based software.

Some of the Motorola, GE, Kenwood, etc, two way radio stuff "was" programmed with DOS based apps, but again, most of this has moved on to Whenhozed. However, there ARE still small and not-so small town fire, PD, and other govt radio systems that are still being maintained this way. Many of these departments don't feel the need to buy new "better" software just for a few older radios being used by say, the dog catcher, parks and rec, and the water dept.

You won't find any of that stuff on the store shelves.

You LIKEWISE won't find any common office based software being sold for DOS, either.

I didn't necessarily mean being produced today. I was more hinting at the last commercial software released for Dos so that I could pick it up cheap on ebay. Like what were the last versions of Microsoft Word, Wordperfect, Norton software, that type of thing. I realize that I can't go into Best Buy and buy Adobe Photoshop 2005 for Dos.

Word 5.5 for DOS was released as a Y2K update (though it was a full package) from M$; probably the "last commercial software released for DOS". It's still around on the net:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/word97win/Wd55_be/97/WIN98/EN-US/Wd55_ben.exe

Word Perfect stopped at v6.2 (around 1996-AFAIR)

MS Excel v 2.0 for DOS was released in 1987. I believe there was a v 2.0 for Windows also and all subsequent versions were for Windows in its various flavors. Having used almost every version in business/engineering myself, I would not recommend the early versions due to the many significant advances since then. Same issue with MS Access. Word 5.5 for DOS may be fine.

But if cost is the issue, you may find that later Windows versions may be cheaper just because they were purchased in greater numbers and were replaced by businesses when newer version came out. If you are serious about using software for business, get Office 97 or later.

I, for one, still look for old DOS stuff, mainly for my nostalgia trips. :)

Maybe this will help:

http://www.retrosoftware.com/dos-software.html

Stuff's still available if you have deep-enough pockets...

<<so that I could pick it up cheap on ebay>>

If cost, rather than DOS as OS, is a priority, sources of used software, in order of preference, for those who live in the US:

1. "Friends of the Library" sales held by local public libraries. Books and software for 25 to 50 cents each. Stuff is donated to libraries for these sales.

2. Half Price Books. Old software and books for much less than half original price. They recognize that software, and platforms, become obsolete rapidly.

3. Ebay. At true market price. Office 97, for example, sells for <$50

Also ask local businesses. Often they will toss out software on diskettes as it is a quicker/cheaper method of disposal. But timing is everything! :)